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Abstract

The use of a multiteam system (MTS) approach has been proven useful for many organizational environments, notably those that operate in dynamic and demanding surroundings. These settings also rely on the success of several, independent teams to accomplish an organizational objective. Similarly, the notion of shared leadership, across multiple teams, has been proven to increase the efficiency of organizational output, by distributing the responsibility of leadership laterally. While the combination of these two approaches have been examined in the cockpit and cabin crew environment, its application may prove useful in an aviation maintenance environment as well. An MTS approach involves two or more teams which interact both directly and indirectly in response to environmental constructs, in an effort to accomplish a collective goal. The different departments which comprise aviation maintenance environments, may provide an optimal setting for which to test this application. Similarly, shared leadership supports the overall mission of MTS, by enabling multiple leaders with responsibility laterally, in an effort to accomplish organizational objectives. The use of shared leadership has proven successful in single team environments, notably when tasks are interdependent and complex, as is often the case in an aviation maintenance department. The application of shared leadership in an MTS aviation maintenance environment, therefore, may contribute to the successful attainment of organizational objectives. Additionally, if communication between the individual departments, or teams, that comprise an aviation maintenance department is improved, the quality of work and safety may increase as well.